title: A social-cognitive sexual counseling intervention post-MI-development and pilot testing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Individuals experiencing myocardial infarction (MI) report anxiety, depression, diminished quality of life (QOL), and reduced sexual activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined return to sexual activity post-MI, and pilot tested a comprehensive sexual counseling intervention based on social-cognitive theory. The intervention in this pretest/posttest preexperimental study used an informational video, newsletters, and telephone counseling, with cardiac patients (N = 10) and partners (N = 3). Measures included QOL; knowledge; sexual anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 8 weeks, only 60% had returned to sexual activity, with low QOL and sexual satisfaction for patients and partners.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Supportive interventions by nurses are needed to assist MI patients and partners return to sexual activity.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA. elaine.steinke@wichita.edu
authors.forename: Elaine E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Steinke
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mosack
authors.forename: Jodie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hertzog
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012731:Sex Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome